Super-gigantic format activity books that are simply PACKED with hours and hours of entertainment! Each page includes a detailed picture and a set of items to find - a fun way to develop word recognition. All of the titles feature easy tear-off sheets and a stiff card backing board for take-anywhere fun!

This follow-up to Jeff Guinn's bestselling holiday favorites The Autobiography of Santa Claus and How Mrs. Claus Saved Christmas takes readers on a sleigh ride through the history of Christmas in America that lands smack-dab in 2006, as a new reality TV show threatens to destroy the true spirit of Christmas. This third installment in Jeff Guinn's bestselling Christmas Chronicles series finds Santa facing perhaps the biggest challenge of his career. As Santa himself relates in this delightful holiday read, the trouble began in 1841, when a Philadelphia merchant named J.W. Parkinson hired a neighbor to dress as Kris Kringle in order to lure shoppers into his dry-goods store. Much to Santa's chagrin, it's been pretty much downhill since. It seems everybody wants a piece of Christmas, and through the years, it has gotten worse—to the point that not a Christmas can go by without phony Santas posing on street corners across the country. But when, in 2006, it's announced that a new reality TV show called The Great Santa Search will feature a competition to find the "real" St. Nicholas, Santa knows it's time to step in! With all the rich historical detail and glorious Christmas cheer that made The Autobiography of Santa Claus and How Mrs. Claus Saved Christmas treasured family favorites, The Great Santa Search is destined to become yet another Christmas classic from Jeff Guinn.

Santa Claus is in trouble! Who will save Christmas? This A-to-Z guide to holiday films, television movies and series specials provides cast, credits, production information and commentary for 228 cinema Christmases that were almost ruined by villains, monsters, spirits, secularism, greed, misanthropy or elf error--but were saved by helpful animals, magic snowmen, selfless children or compassionate understanding. Reviews and references are included.

Relates the story of Santa Claus from his historic origins to his current incarnation, discussing Saint Nicholas, the Americanizing of Santa, his commercialization, and his treatment in songs and movies.

The following tales recorded by Mrs. Claus in her Book of Days Journal are stories about Santa's adventures that are not restricted to only the holiday in December. They tell about his part in spreading the Christmas spirit, but they also reveal that he's known to other timelines and places where he performs simple acts of kindness and resolves a surprising assortment of dilemmas. Customarily, Santa's headquarters are in the North Pole, and his mate is Mrs. Claus. His helpers are craftspeople and artisans commonly referred to as "Elves." But Santa doesn't describe such a group of talented, skilled, and willing staff as elves, although they do seem to be magical in meeting the launch deadline every Christmas Eve. In addition, the stories you'll explore make it known that Santa has the best of technical equipment, resources, communications, and support devices available for the sole purpose of keeping his annual operations "spot on." Mrs. Claus obviously recorded much of Santa's narrations, but these few accounts are all that could be restored of her journal. If she kept other such books, they have yet to be found. It is indeed a blessing that what you'll read are just some of the untouched records of Santa's life and good works that have never, ever been disclosed before. You can check your computer for more information about the father of Christmas. Research his origins, history, and folklore; some notably under that of Saint Nicholas, and possibly even relative to the Magi of biblical times. Santa crosses over so many cultures and traditions, so his names include: Claawwss from the animal kingdom, St. Nick, Kris Kringle, Pelznickel, Papa Noel, Sunty Clus, No Ojisan, Grandfather Frost, Kerstman, Sinterklaas, Christkindl, Father Frost, Babbo Natale, Pere Noel, The Wonder Worker, and countless others worldwide. For the inner child in all of us, happy journeys! G.F.

The European discovery of the Americas in 1492 was one of the most important events of the Renaissance, and with it Christopher Columbus changed the course of world history. Now, five hundred years later, this 2-volume reference work will chart new courses in the study and understanding of Columbus and the Age of Discovery. Much more than an account of the man and his voyages, The Christopher Columbus Encyclopedia is a complete A-Z look at the world during this momentous era. In two volumes, The Christopher Columbus Encyclopedia contains more than 350 signed original articles ranging from 250 to more than 10,000 words, written by nearly 150 contributors from around the world. The work includes cross-references, bibliographies for each article, and a comprehensive index. The work is fully illustrated, with hundreds of maps, drawings and photographs.

Discover the magic of the holidays with 'A Journey to Santa's Land,' a charming tale that brings to the forefront the picturesque Lapland, especially Santa's city, Rovaniemi. Little Rene is caught in an extraordinary adventure to Santa's house, encountering mischievous reindeer, the bustling workshop of the elves, the talents of the dwarves, and the deep mysteries of Santa's Archive. This enchanting journey provides a magical perspective on Christmas, breathing life into the dreams of the inhabitants of a small village that transforms the landscape into an enchanted oasis. Under the starry sky, the elves and dwarves bring the entire community to life, joyfully welcoming Santa Claus and embracing the unique charm of the holidays. 'A Journey to Santa's Land' is a captivating story for the whole family, filled with adventure, hope, and the magic of Christmas. Embrace the holiday spirit and explore the enchantment of this fascinating journey.